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Healthy Body

Healthy skin comes from within

July 3, 2018 - By Alana Laverty

Our skin is the largest organ in our bodies. It’s the organ that comes directly in contact with the outside world, keeps bacteria out and retains body fluids; preventing dehydration. Therefore, it is so important to keep it healthy.

As a teenager I was told that sweets cause bad skin, but this isn’t entirely true. It’s over indulging in sugar and processed foods that increase and stimulate sebum producing hormones, leading to acne. Don’t worry, the odd can of Coke or cheeky bag of Doritos won’t kill you.

Studies show that omega-3 fatty acids found in fish work wonders for skin moisture, elasticity and acne.

Red wine also contains antioxidants for healthy skin and protection from sun damage, so ditch the vodka and pick out a good vino.

As a dairy lover, it breaks my heart to say that the hormones found in milk are bad news for your skin. Dairy glues together dead skin cells, hence clogging your pores and also causes insulin spikes in your body that make your liver produce a hormone that causes skin inflammation.

When it comes to what I put on my face, I am very careful. I am a big fan of what’s on offer in Boots and Superdrug.

Boots own brand have a great, affordable vitamin E line of cleansers, toners, gels, serums and moisturisers which are perfect for dull, normal skin that needs brightening. Their aloe vera and tea tree oil lines are ideal for problematic skin.

No one takes their makeup off every single night, no matter what they say. When I roll into bed at 4 am after a night in Coppers, the last thing I want to be do is rub mascara off my eyes, but that’s okay, as long as you give your face a thorough cleaning in the morning.

I use a Clarisonic face brush that vibrates and scrubs away all makeup, impurities and regrets from the night before.

Alternatively use a clean, hot face towel. Boots sell non-electric facial brushes for about a fiver and they work wonders to get deep down into your pores.

Particularly if you’ve been drinking, sweating your foundation off in nightclubs and then sleeping in it. Your skin will thank you for almond oil’s natural benefits. Put it on a cotton pad and rub it all over your pretty, little face.

Honey is naturally anti-bacterial and is a great treatment for stubborn pimples. A green tea steam is perfect for opening up pores if you want to do some black head extractions.

Just put a green teabag into a bowl of hot water and hold your face over it for a few minutes. Save the teabag, remove it’s contents and use it as a scrub afterwards.

Apple cider vinegar, while it sounds dodgy, is amazing for balancing PH levels on your face and allowing your skin to breathe properly.

Finally, pure aloe vera gel feels so nice on your skin, is really moisturising and clears up spots. It can be found in pharmacies for less than a few quid. These suggestions might sound strange, but they are legit. Trust me.

Along with eating well and taking proper care of your skin, always drink plenty of water and get enough sleep. It’s the little things that go a long way in making you look like a million dollars.